Comment on the Autumn Statement

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Keith Wakefield said:

“We await the details in relation to local government funding but we already know more major reductions in grant funding are coming which means even more very difficult decisions and putting vulnerable people at risk. Since the austerity measures began, the authorities in the Leeds City Region have lost £470million of core funding, and while the infrastructure projects announced are welcome, many of them are recycled announcements or feasibility studies, and it is still the case that the north continues to suffer in comparison with the south for investment. We need actions not words in order to make a real difference as people are struggling and the reality is that over the next few years the position is only going to get worse.

“In Leeds we are committed to getting on and doing things ourselves, like the new arena, Trinity Leeds, Victoria Gate and hosting the Tour de France. With the existing Whitehall funding model now widely accepted as being no longer fit for purpose, we need real devolution of resources and decision-making so we can create jobs, housing and growth and improve people’s skills and welfare so everyone benefits. The time to deliver real change is now.”